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What Is Wave Season: The Best Time To Find Cruise Deals

Catch unbeatable cruise deals early in the year and see more of the world for less.

By Cassie Bailey | Published on May 28, 2025

Is this the year you’ve set out to cross as many new experiences and places off your travel list as you can? Good news: Right now is the best time to plan those adventures—and for more reasons than one.

Introducing “Wave Season,” the best time to book a cruise. At the beginning of the new year, Wave Season is when you’ll find a bunch of great deals on Royal Caribbean cruises. Whether you’ve your heart set on seeing the icy blue glaciers of Alaska, the pink sand beaches of the Caribbean or the beautiful islands of Greece, there’s a lineup of offers to choose from. Just think: You’ll get the very best value on a vacation that will take you to multiple destinations on board ships packed with thrills like zip lining, rock climbing and skydiving; incredible meals that range from sushi to Italian; and more.

Here’s everything you need to know about Wave Season and tips to make the most of it for your next vacation:

1. What Is Wave Season?

Get unforgettable adventures for an unforgettable value from January through March. That’s what you can look forward to with Wave Season. Adding to the great deals, it’s also a good time to book because you’ll get a head start on planning out your vacations for the year—which means you’ll have plenty to look forward to. Explore some of the Earth’s most incredible World Heritage Sites, grab unforgettable fish tacos in Mexico’s seafood capital or island-hop across the Mediterranean—whichever one of the 290-plus destinations around the world you choose to visit with Royal Caribbean, planning your cruise during Wave Season means getting the trip of a lifetime and a great deal rolled up in one.

2. Do I Really Get Better Value Right Now?

Yes! You’ll find there are all kinds of deals. They can vary from discounts for every guest to the popular Kids Sail Free offer and even cruise and airfare combinations. Also, keep your eyes peeled for instant savings or discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages. It’s also worth keeping in mind that sometimes these deals can be used for cruises that set sail in the next couple of years.

Booking now could also earn you onboard credit (basically money to spend on your cruise), which you can use to plus-up your vacation. Imagine a shady, private casita by the pool or a beverage package that includes signature drinks like our Lime & Coconut cocktail, a delicious blend of coconut rum, coconut milk, guava syrup and lime juice. Or, why not use it to treat the whole family to Sunday supper at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar?

Pro tip: You could also use those savings or credits for a room upgrade with RoyalUp, a bid-based program. Just take a look at the different rooms available and select the amount you’d be willing to splurge—you’ll then get an email letting you know whether your bid has won.

3. Does Everyone Have Access To Wave Season Deals?

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser who’s sailed to dozens of destinations and wants to add more to their list or a first-timer looking for a new kind of adventure, everyone can be a winner this time of year. All these deals come with great choices: Varying in destinations and departure cities, ships and cruise length, there’s quite a lineup to choose from.

If it’s your first time, this is about as good a time as ever to book. You can get a taste and recharge by trying out a three-night weekend or four-night weekday cruise and be back home in no time.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to change up your weekend routine, check out ships like Wonder or Utopia of the Seas for adventures on board like the FlowRider surf simulator or laser tag.

4. Where Can I Go?

You can go just about anywhere Royal Caribbean visits. Get deals for cruises on new ships like Icon of the Seas, which can take you to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas. You could also grab a ride on Quantum Class to wander down the cobblestone streets of France and Italy. Or there are the rugged coastlines of Canada, which you can visit on Freedom Class. There are 20-plus ships and many more destinations where those came from—the choice is yours.

5. When And Where Can I Find Wave Season Deals?

Whether it’s online on the Royal Caribbean deals page or through a travel advisor, it’s easy to plan your next vacation at the top of the year and at a great value. You can even sign up online to be one of the first to find out about the latest offers all year long.

Cruise season is here and the deals are hot. Shop for your next vacation before the best offers sail away.